SOROTI, May 2, 2024 – The Principal of the Church of Uganda [COU] Vocational Training Institute [VTI] in Soroti City West, Rev Julius Apedu said they have acquired two motors to aid students during training.
Apedu broke the good news on Tuesday during a party organised for the new students at the institute’s premises. Currently, the institute awards certificates to successful students.
He said each of the two motors cost the institute Shs 1.4 million.
COU Soroti Diocese established VTI in 1989 with only two courses, thus automotive mechanics and carpentry but now offers more courses including Secretarial Studies. The current student enrollment is 957 students.
Apedu encouraged students to do practical courses, saying they are on demand in the job market but also help students to create their own jobs and employ others.
“I encourage students to get right courses [practical courses] before they leave the institution,” said Apedu, adding that VTI is engaged in negotiations with Soroti, and Ndejje universities to offer diploma courses as student numbers increase.
“Because the number is growing, we want our students to continue their studies here, and so we are in the process to affiliate with Soroti, and Ndejje universities and begin awarding diplomas here,” he said.
He appealed to government to help Soroti Diocese in skilling the youth in Teso Sub-region so that they continue to fight poverty.
Apedu also confirmed that Soroti Diocese is soon commencing technical centres all over Teso Sub-region to get for a high number of school dropouts.
While addressing the students, Patrick Emokor, Principal Education Officer Soroti City encouraged parents not to downplay vocational training, saying it is one of the ways identified by government to fight unemployment in the country.
He pledged to help the institution award diplomas. I am going to consult with the two universities [Soroti University, and Ndejja University], and see how this institute [VTI] can award diplomas,” he said.
https://thecooperator.news/former-street-children-graduate-in-vocational-training-skills/
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